Liquid cooled charging cable system

ABSTRACT

A liquid cooled charging cable system may be provided. The liquid cooled charging cable system may comprise a source, a load, a liquid cooled charging cable, and a cooling device. The liquid cooled charging cable may connect the source to the load, and may supply electric energy from the source to the load. The liquid cooled charging cable may comprise a supply conductor and a return conductor. The cooling device may pump a coolant around the supply conductor and the return conductor where the supply conductor and the return conductor may be immersed in the coolant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/845,595, filed Apr. 10, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/596,020 filed May 16, 2017, (U.S. Pat. No.10,811,170), which claims the benefit under provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/339,321, filed May20, 2016, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

An electric vehicle (EV) charging system, also called an electricrecharging point, a charging point, a charging station a charge point,and an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), is an element in aninfrastructure that supplies electric energy for recharging electricvehicles, such as plug-in electric vehicles, including electric cars,neighborhood electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrids. Because plug-inhybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicle ownership isexpanding, there is a growing need for widely distributed publiclyaccessible charging stations, some of which support faster charging athigher voltages and currents than are available from residential EVSEs.Many charging stations are on-street facilities provided by electricutility companies or located at retail shopping centers and operated byprivate companies. These charging stations provide one or a range ofheavy duty or special connectors that conform to the variety of electriccharging connector standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a liquid cooled charging system;

FIG. 2 shows a liquid cooled charging system;

FIG. 3 shows a liquid cooled charging cable;

FIG. 4 shows a liquid cooled charging cable;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show an output terminal; and

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show an input terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

A liquid cooled charging cable system may be provided. The liquid cooledcharging cable system may comprise a source, a load, a liquid cooledcharging cable, and a cooling device. The liquid cooled charging cablemay connect the source to the load, and may supply electric energy fromthe source to the load. The liquid cooled charging cable may comprise asupply conductor and a return conductor. The cooling device may pump acoolant around the supply conductor and the return conductor where thesupply conductor and the return conductor may be immersed in thecoolant.

Both the foregoing overview and the following example embodiments areexamples and explanatory only, and should not be considered to restrictthe disclosure's scope, as described and claimed. Further, featuresand/or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein.For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be directed to variousfeature combinations and sub-combinations described in the exampleembodiments.

Example Embodiments

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications,adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example,substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elementsillustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may bemodified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosedmethods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limitthe disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is definedby the appended claims.

A charging system may be used to charge a battery or batteries, forexample, an electric vehicle's batteries. Consistent with embodiments ofthe disclosure, electric vehicles may comprise, but are not limited to,electric cars, neighborhood electric vehicles, fork lifts, plug-inhybrids, etc. When batteries are charged, the time required to chargethe batteries may be governed by the amount of current that a chargingsystem can deliver to the batteries. One of the limiting factors forincreasing the amount of charge current to the batteries and thereforereducing the amount of charge time may be the cable that connects anelectric power source to the batteries.

Conventional systems may use an air cooled charging cable in batterycharging applications, for example, in applications where the chargingcurrent is below 200 A. As the electric charging current increases above200 A, the corresponding required size of the charging cable used tocharge the batteries may become too large, too heavy, and too inflexiblefor a consumer to use. Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, aliquid cooled charging cable may be provided. The liquid cooled chargingcable may supply currents (e.g., 400 A to 1,000 A) that may be 2 to 5times as much as the currents supplied by the conventional air cooledcharging cable, but unlike the conventional air cooled charging cable,in a size, weight, and flexibility suitable for a consumer to use.Conventional liquid cooled charging cables electrically isolate thecooling liquid from metallic conductor components to prevent shortsbetween conductors or to ground through the liquid. The conventionalapproach limits the benefit of liquid cooling by adding a thermallyinsulating layer between the conductor and the cooling liquid.

Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, liquid coolant from acooling device may be pumped directly around an electrical conductor(e.g., bare, uninsulated) and into an input terminal connector and anoutput terminal connector attached to the electrical conductor in orderto cool these components. Accordingly, cooling of the electricalconductor, the input terminal connector, and the output terminalconnector by the coolant may greatly limit thermal resistance in theelectrical conductor, the input terminal connector, and the outputterminal connector associated with these components due to heatingcaused by high electrical currents in the these components.

The liquid coolant maybe provided by either two independent isolatedcooling devices or by one cooling device that has a sufficient liquidcolumn length from the conductor to the cooling device or bifurcationpoint of the liquid coolant. The liquid column length along with anappropriate coolant conductivity may provide the required electricalisolation between a supply conductor and a return conductor and eitherof these conductors to grounded cooling pumps or associated hardware.

FIG. 1 shows a liquid cooled charging system 100 consistent withembodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , liquid cooledcharging system 100 may comprise a source 102, a load 104, a liquidcooled charging cable 106, and a cooling device 108. Source 102 mayconnect to liquid cooled charging cable 106 via a source supplyconnection 110 and a source return connection 112. Load 104 may connectto liquid cooled charging cable 106 via a load supply connection 114 anda load return connection 116. Liquid cooled charging cable 106 maycomprise a supply conductor 118 and a return conductor 120. Source 102may comprise a power supply capable of charging load 104 comprising anenergy storage device, for example, a battery or bank of batteries.

Coolant may be provided to both supply conductor 118 and returnconductor 120 of liquid cooled charging cable 106 by cooling device 108via coolant supply conduit 122 and coolant return conduit 124. Supplyconduit 122 and coolant return conduit 124 may be made from electricallynon-conductive material and may have sufficient length to minimize theleakage current to ground or between supply conductor 118 and returnconductor 120. Coolant supply conduit 122 may comprise a coolant supplyconduit main section 126, a coolant supply conduit bifurcation point128, a coolant supply conduit first section 130, and a coolant supplyconduit second section 132. Coolant return conduit 124 may comprise acoolant return conduit main section 134, a coolant return conduitbifurcation point 136, a coolant return conduit first section 138, and acoolant return conduit second section 140.

Source 102 may connect to liquid cooled charging cable 106 via sourcesupply connection 110 and a source return connection 112 at a source end142 of liquid cooled charging cable 106. Load 104 may connect to liquidcooled charging cable 106 via a load supply connection 114 and a loadreturn connection 116 at a load end 144 of liquid cooled charging cable106. The coolant may be supplied from coolant supply conduit 122 andreturned to coolant return conduit 124 at source end 142 of liquidcooled charging cable 106.

Cooling device 108 may pump the coolant into coolant supply conduit mainsection 126. The coolant by then feed into both coolant supply conduitfirst section 130 and coolant supply conduit second section 132 atcoolant supply conduit bifurcation point 128. Coolant supply conduitfirst section 130 may feed coolant to supply conductor 118 of liquidcooled charging cable 106. Coolant supply conduit second section 132 mayfeed coolant to return conductor 120 of liquid cooled charging cable106. The coolant may circulate through liquid cooled charging cable 106.A portion of the coolant may return into coolant return conduit firstsection 138 and a portion of the coolant may return into coolant returnconduit second section 140. The returned coolant may come together atcoolant return conduit bifurcation point 136 into coolant return conduitmain section 134 and back into cooling device 108. Cooling device 108may cool the returned coolant that may have absorbed heat from liquidcooled charging cable 106. Cooling device 108 may reuse the returnedcoolant by pumping it back into coolant supply conduit main section 126.

FIG. 2 shows a liquid cooled charging system 200 consistent withembodiments of the disclosure. Liquid cooled charging system 200 may besimilar to liquid cooled charging system 100; however, liquid cooledcharging system 200 may comprise two cooling devices rather than onecooling device. As shown in FIG. 2 , liquid cooled charging system 200may comprise a first cooling device 202 and a second cooling device 204.Coolant may be provided to supply conductor 118 of liquid cooledcharging cable 106 by first cooling device 202 via a first coolantsupply conduit 206 and returned from supply conductor 118 to firstcooling device 202 via a first coolant return conduit 208. Similarly,coolant may be provided to return conductor 120 of liquid cooledcharging cable 106 by second cooling device 204 via a second coolantsupply conduit 210 and returned from return conductor 120 to secondcooling device 204 via a second coolant return conduit 212. The conduits(e.g., first coolant supply conduit 206, first coolant return conduit208, second coolant supply conduit 210, and second coolant returnconduit 212) may be made from electrically non-conductive material andhave sufficient length to minimize the leakage current to ground orbetween supply conductor 118 and return conductor 120.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a liquid cooled charging cable 300.Liquid cooled charging cable 300 may comprise liquid cooled chargingcable 106 as described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . Asshown in FIG. 3 , liquid cooled charging cable 300 may comprise a jacket302. Jacket 302 may comprise a first supply hose 304, a first returnhose 306, a second supply hose 308, a second return hose 310, a pilotcable 312, and a ground wire 314. First supply hose 304 may comprise afirst supply sub-conductor 316, first return hose 306 may comprise asecond supply sub-conductor 318, second supply hose 308 may comprise afirst return sub-conductor 320, and second return hose 310 may comprisea second return sub-conductor 322. Pilot cable 312 may comprise a firstpilot wire 324, a second pilot wire 326, and a third pilot wire 328.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a liquid cooled charging cable 400.Liquid cooled charging cable 400 may comprise liquid cooled chargingcable 106 as described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . Asshown in FIG. 4 , liquid cooled charging cable 400 may comprise a jacket402. Jacket 402 may contain a first supply hose 404, a first return hose406, a second supply hose 408, and a second return hose 410. Inaddition, jacket 402 may contain a first pilot wire 412, a second pilotwire 414, a third pilot wire 416, and a ground wire 418. First supplyhose 404 may comprise a supply conductor 420 and second supply hose 408may comprise a return conductor 422.

Pilot cable 312 (i.e., first pilot wire 324, second pilot wire 326, andthird pilot wire 328) of FIG. 3 may be used to send control signals orsupply power to elements located at source 102 and load 104. Similarly,first pilot wire 412, second pilot wire 414, and third pilot wire 416 ofFIG. 4 may be used to send control signals or supply power to elementslocated at source 102 and load 104. The pilot wires may be located atthe center of liquid cooled charging cable 300 as pilot cable 312 asshown in FIG. 3 or the pilot wires may be located individually at anylocation within jacket 402 as shown in FIG. 4 as pilot wire 412, secondpilot wire 414, and third pilot wire 416. Embodiments of the disclosuremay comprise any number of pilot wires and is not limited to three.Ground wire 314 of liquid cooled charging cable 300 and ground wire 418of liquid cooled charging cable 400 may be used to connect source 102and load 104 and maintain them at a common ground.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show an output terminal 500 that may comprise loadsupply connection 114 and load return connection 116 as shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 2 . Output terminal 500 may be made of an electricallyconductive material. As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, output terminal500 may comprise an output terminal tab 502, a first output terminaltube 504, and a second output terminal tube 506. Output terminal tab 502may comprise an output terminal tab opening 508. First output terminaltube 504 may comprise a first output terminal tube port 510, a pluralityof first output terminal tube barbs 512, a first output terminal tubefirst end 514, and a first output terminal tube second end 516. Secondoutput terminal tube 506 may comprise a second output terminal tube port518, a plurality of second output terminal tube barbs 520, a secondoutput terminal tube first end 522, and a second output terminal tubesecond end 524.

Output terminal 500 may comprise load supply connection 114. Asdescribed in greater detail below, output terminal 500 may be installedon supply conductor 118 of liquid cooled charging cable 106 at load end144 of liquid cooled charging cable 106. A fastener (e.g., a bolt) maybe placed through output terminal tab opening 508 in order to fastenoutput terminal tab 502 (load supply connection 114) to, for example, apositive lead of load 104. Similarly, output terminal 500 may compriseload return connection 116. As described in greater detail below, outputterminal 500 may be installed on return conductor 120 of liquid cooledcharging cable 106 at load end 144 of liquid cooled charging cable 106.A fastener (e.g., a bolt) may be placed through output terminal tabopening 508 in order to fasten output terminal tab 502 (as load returnconnection 116) to, for example, a negative lead of load 104.

Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, the coolant may cooloutput terminal tab 502. The coolant may enter first output terminaltube 504 at first output terminal tube port 510, pass through firstoutput terminal tube 504 to first output terminal tube second end 516,enter second output terminal tube 506 at second output terminal tubesecond end 524, and exit second output terminal tube 506 at secondoutput terminal tube port 518. Consequently, the coolant may absorb heatfrom output terminal tab 502. Consistent with embodiments of thedisclosure, the coolant may flow in an opposite direction enteringsecond output terminal tube port 518 and exiting first output terminaltube port 510.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show an input terminal 600 that may comprise sourcesupply connection 110 and source return connection 112 as shown in FIG.1 and FIG. 2 . Input terminal 600 may be made of an electricallyconductive material. As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, input terminal 600may comprise an input terminal tab 602, a first input terminal tube 604,and a second input terminal tube 606. Input terminal tab 602 maycomprise an input terminal tab opening 608. First input terminal tube604 may comprise a first input terminal tube port 610, a first pluralityof first input terminal tube barbs 612, a second plurality of firstinput terminal tube barbs 614, a first input terminal tube first end616, and a first input terminal tube second end 618. Second inputterminal tube 606 may comprise a second input terminal tube port 620, afirst plurality of second input terminal tube barbs 622, a secondplurality of second input terminal tube barbs 624, a second inputterminal tube first end 626, and a second input terminal tube second end628.

Input terminal 600 may comprise source supply connection 110. Asdescribed in greater detail below, input terminal 600 may be installedon supply conductor 118 of liquid cooled charging cable 106 at sourceend 142 of liquid cooled charging cable 106. A fastener (e.g., a bolt)may be placed through input terminal tab opening 608 in order to fasteninput terminal tab 602 (source supply connection 110) to, for example, apositive lead of source 102. Similarly, input terminal 600 may comprisesource return connection 112. As described in greater detail below,input terminal 600 may be installed on return conductor 120 of liquidcooled charging cable 106 at source end 142 of liquid cooled chargingcable 106. A fastener (e.g., a bolt) may be placed through inputterminal tab opening 608 in order to fasten input terminal tab 602 (assource return connection 112) to, for example, a negative lead of source102.

Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, the coolant may cooloutput terminal tab 602. The coolant may enter first input terminal tube604 at first input terminal tube port 610, pass through first inputterminal tube 604, and exit first input terminal tube 604 at first inputterminal tube second end 618. Similarly, the coolant may enter secondinput terminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube port 620, passthrough second input terminal tube 606, and exit second input terminaltube 606 at second input terminal tube second end 628. Consequently, thecoolant may absorb heat from input terminal tab 602.

Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, cooling device 108, firstcooling device 202, and second cooling device 204 may pump the coolantinto liquid cooled charging cable 106, receive the coolant back fromliquid cooled charging cable 106, remove heat from the coolant that wasreceived back, and then re-pump the cooled coolant back into liquidcooled charging cable 106. The coolant may be pumped at 0.8 GPM withcoolant temperature rise of 6.7 degrees C.

The coolant may comprise a liquid that has a low conductivity and thatis capable of cooling cable 106. For example, the coolant may providecable 106 with: i) a calculated leakage current of 18 micro-amps for 15feet of cable 106 at 50 micro-Siemens; and ii) a calculated power lossat 350 a of 1.498 kw considering both supply conductor 118 and returnconductor 120. The coolant may have a −35 degrees C. freezing point,conductivity of 0.36 micro-Siemens per centimeter, and a life of 2 to 3years. The coolant may comprise Koolance LIQ-705, manufactured byKoolance of 2840 W Valley Hwy N, Auburn, Wash. 98001.

Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, cooling device 108, firstcooling device 202, and second cooling device 204 may pump the coolantdirectly around a bare (e.g., no insulation, no covering, etc.)electrical conductor (e.g., first supply sub-conductor 316, secondsupply sub-conductor 318, first return sub-conductor 320, second returnsub-conductor 322, supply conductor 420, and return conductor 422), intoa input terminal 600 attached to the electrical conductor, and intooutput terminal 500 attached to the electrical conductor in order tocool these components. Accordingly, cooling of the electrical conductor,input terminal connector 600, and output terminal connector 500 by thecoolant may limit thermal resistance in the electrical conductor, inputterminal connector 600, and output terminal connector 500 associatedwith these components due to heating caused by high electrical currentsin these components.

The liquid coolant may be provided by either two independent isolatedcooling devices (e.g., first cooling device 202 and second coolingdevice 204) or by one cooling device (e.g., cooling device 108) that hasa sufficient liquid column length from the conductor (e.g., liquidcooled charging cable 106) to the cooling device or bifurcation point ofthe liquid coolant. The liquid column length along with an appropriatecoolant conductivity may provide the required electrical isolationbetween a supply conductor (e.g., supply conductor 118) and a returnconductor (e.g., load return connection 116) and either of theseconductors to grounded cooling pumps (e.g., cooling device 108, firstcooling device 202, and second cooling device 204).

Source End 142 Connections to Cooling Device 108 for the FIG. 1Configuration

One input terminal 600 may be used as source supply connection 110 onsupply conductor 118 at source end 142. For the configuration shown inFIG. 1 , coolant supply conduit first section 130 may be connector tofirst input terminal tube second end 618 and over second plurality offirst input terminal tube barbs 614 forming a watertight seal aroundfirst input terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tube second end618. Also, coolant return conduit first section 138 may be connector tosecond input terminal tube second end 628 and over second plurality ofsecond input terminal tube barbs 624 forming a watertight seal aroundsecond input terminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube second end628.

Another input terminal 600 may be used as source return connection 112on return conductor 120 at source end 142. For the configuration shownin FIG. 1 , coolant supply conduit second section 132 may be connectorto first input terminal tube second end 618 and over second plurality offirst input terminal tube barbs 614 forming a watertight seal aroundfirst input terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tube second end618. Also, coolant return conduit second section 140 may be connector tosecond input terminal tube second end 628 and over second plurality ofsecond input terminal tube barbs 624 forming a watertight seal aroundsecond input terminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube second end628.

Source End 142 Connections to Cooling Devices for the FIG. 2Configuration

One input terminal 600 may be used as source supply connection 110 onsupply conductor 118 at source end 142. For the configuration shown inFIG. 2 , first coolant supply conduit 206 may be connector to firstinput terminal tube second end 618 and over second plurality of firstinput terminal tube barbs 614 forming a watertight seal around firstinput terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tube second end 618.Also, first coolant return conduit 208 may be connector to second inputterminal tube second end 628 and over second plurality of second inputterminal tube barbs 624 forming a watertight seal around second inputterminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube second end 628.

Another input terminal 600 may be used as source return connection 112on return conductor 120 at source end 142. For the configuration shownin FIG. 2 , second coolant supply conduit 210 may be connector to firstinput terminal tube second end 618 and over second plurality of firstinput terminal tube barbs 614 forming a watertight seal around firstinput terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tube second end 618.Also, second coolant return conduit 212 may be connector to second inputterminal tube second end 628 and over second plurality of second inputterminal tube barbs 624 forming a watertight seal around second inputterminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube second end 628.

Using Liquid Cooled Charging Cable 300 as Liquid Cooled Charging Cable106 at Source End 142

At source end 142 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, regarding liquidcooled charging cable 300 as liquid cooled charging cable 106, firstsupply sub-conductor 316 may be crimped or otherwise electricallyattached to first input terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tubefirst end 616. Consequently, first supply sub-conductor 316 may be inelectrical connection with input terminal tab 602. First supply hose 304may be pulled over first plurality of first input terminal tube barbs612 forming a watertight seal around first input terminal tube first end616. Similarly, second supply sub-conductor 318 may be crimped orotherwise electrically attached to second input terminal tube 606 atsecond input terminal tube first end 626. Consequently, second supplysub-conductor 318 may be in electrical connection with input terminaltab 602. First return hose 306 may be pulled over first plurality ofsecond input terminal tube barbs 622 forming a watertight seal aroundsecond input terminal tube first end 626. In this embodiment, firstsupply sub-conductor 316 and second supply sub-conductor 318 maytogether function as two parallel conductors comprising supply conductor118.

At source end 142 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, regarding liquidcooled charging cable 300 as liquid cooled charging cable 106, firstreturn sub-conductor 320 may be crimped or otherwise electricallyattached to first input terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tubefirst end 616. Consequently, first return sub-conductor 320 may be inelectrical connection with input terminal tab 602. Second supply hose308 may be pulled over first plurality of first input terminal tubebarbs 612 forming a watertight seal around first input terminal tubefirst end 616. Similarly, second return sub-conductor 322 may be crimpedor otherwise electrically attached to second input terminal tube 606 atsecond input terminal tube first end 626. Consequently, second returnsub-conductor 322 may be in electrical connection with input terminaltab 602. Second return hose 310 may be pulled over first plurality ofsecond input terminal tube barbs 622 forming a watertight seal aroundsecond input terminal tube first end 626. In this embodiment, firstreturn sub-conductor 320 and second return sub-conductor 322 maytogether function as two parallel conductors comprising return conductor120.

At Load End 144

One output terminal 500 may be used as Load supply connection 114 onsupply conductor 118 at load end 144. Another output terminal 500 may beused as load return connection 116 on return conductor 120 at load end144.

At load end 144 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, first supplysub-conductor 316 may be crimped or otherwise electrically attached tofirst output terminal tube 504 at first output terminal tube first end514. Consequently, first supply sub-conductor 316 may be in electricalconnection with output terminal tab 502. First supply hose 304 may bepulled over plurality of first output terminal tube barbs 512 forming awatertight seal around first output terminal tube first end 514.Similarly, second supply sub-conductor 318 may be crimped or otherwiseelectrically attached to second output terminal tube 506 at secondoutput terminal tube first end 522. Consequently, second supplysub-conductor 318 may be in electrical connection with output terminaltab 502. First return hose 306 may be pulled over plurality of secondoutput terminal tube barbs 520 forming a watertight seal around secondoutput terminal tube first end 522. In this embodiment, first supplysub-conductor 316 and second supply sub-conductor 318 may togetherfunction as two parallel conductors comprising supply conductor 118.

At load end 144 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, first returnsub-conductor 320 may be crimped or otherwise electrically attached tofirst output terminal tube 504 at first output terminal tube first end514. Consequently, first return sub-conductor 320 may be in electricalconnection with output terminal tab 502. Second supply hose 308 may bepulled over plurality of first output terminal tube barbs 512 forming awatertight seal around first output terminal tube first end 514.Similarly, second return sub-conductor 322 may be crimped or otherwiseelectrically attached to second output terminal tube 506 at secondoutput terminal tube first end 522. Consequently, second returnsub-conductor 322 may be in electrical connection with output terminaltab 502. Second return hose 310 may be pulled over plurality of secondoutput terminal tube barbs 520 forming a watertight seal around secondoutput terminal tube first end 522. In this embodiment, first returnsub-conductor 320 and second return sub-conductor 322 may togetherfunction as two parallel conductors comprising return conductor 120.

Coolant Flow

For supply conductor 118, the coolant may flow into the inside firstinput terminal tube 604 from first input terminal tube second end 618.Because first input terminal tube 604 is connected to input terminal tab602, the coolant may cool input terminal tab 602. The coolant may thenflow out of first input terminal tube port 610 and into first supplyhose 304. The coolant may surround first supply sub-conductor 316 andflow the length of first supply hose 304 to load end 144. Because firstsupply sub-conductor 316 is immersed in the coolant, heat from firstsupply sub-conductor 316 may be transferred into the coolant. At loadend 144, the coolant may flow into first output terminal tube 504 atfirst output terminal tube port 510 to first output terminal tube secondend 516 and into second output terminal tube 506 at second outputterminal tube second end 524. Because the coolant is in output terminaltab 502, the coolant may also cool output terminal tab 502. The coolantmay flow out of second output terminal tube 506 at second outputterminal tube port 518 and into first return hose 306. The coolant mayflow the length of first return hose 306 back to source end 142. Becausesecond supply sub-conductor 318 is immersed in the coolant, heat fromsecond supply sub-conductor 318 may be transferred into the coolant. Thecoolant may flow into second input terminal tube 606 at second inputterminal tube port 620. Because second input terminal tube 606 isconnected to input terminal tab 602, the coolant may cool input terminaltab 602. The coolant may then flow out of second input terminal tube 606at second input terminal tube second end 628 back to cooling device 108(e.g., FIG. 1 configuration) or first cooling device 202 (FIG. 2configuration) to be cooled and reused.

For return conductor 120, the coolant may flow into the inside firstinput terminal tube 604 from first input terminal tube second end 618.Because first input terminal tube 604 is connected to input terminal tab602, the coolant may cool input terminal tab 602. The coolant may thenflow out of first input terminal tube port 610 and into second supplyhose 308. The coolant may surround first return sub-conductor 320 andflow the length of second supply hose 308 to load end 144. Because firstreturn sub-conductor 320 is immersed in the coolant, heat from firstreturn sub-conductor 320 may be transferred into the coolant. At loadend 144, the coolant may flow into first output terminal tube 504 atfirst output terminal tube port 510 to first output terminal tube secondend 516 and into second output terminal tube 506 at second outputterminal tube second end 524. Because the coolant is in output terminaltab 502, the coolant may also cool output terminal tab 502. The coolantmay flow out of second output terminal tube 506 at second outputterminal tube port 518 and into second return hose 310. The coolant mayflow the length of second return hose 310 back to source end 142.Because second return sub-conductor 322 is immersed in the coolant, heatfrom second return sub-conductor 322 may be transferred into thecoolant. The coolant may flow into second input terminal tube 606 atsecond input terminal tube port 620. Because second input terminal tube606 is connected to input terminal tab 602, the coolant may cool inputterminal tab 602. The coolant may then flow out of second input terminaltube 606 at second input terminal tube second end 628 back to coolingdevice 108 (e.g., FIG. 1 configuration) or first cooling device 202(FIG. 2 configuration) to be cooled and reused.

Using Liquid Cooled Charging Cable 400 as Liquid Cooled Charging Cable106 at Source End 142

One input terminal 600 may be used as source supply connection 110 onsupply conductor 118 at source end 142. Another input terminal 600 maybe used as source return connection 112 on return conductor 120 atsource end 142.

At source end 142 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, regarding liquidcooled charging cable 400 as liquid cooled charging cable 106, supplyconductor 420 may be crimped or otherwise electrically attached to firstinput terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tube first end 616.Consequently, supply conductor 420 may be in electrical connection withinput terminal tab 602. First supply hose 404 may be pulled over firstplurality of first input terminal tube barbs 612 forming a watertightseal around first input terminal tube first end 616. Then, first returnhose 406 may be pulled over first plurality of second input terminaltube barbs 622 forming a watertight seal around second input terminaltube first end 626. In this embodiment, supply conductor 420 mayfunction as supply conductor 118.

At source end 142 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, regarding liquidcooled charging cable 400 as liquid cooled charging cable 106, returnconductor 422 may be crimped or otherwise electrically attached to firstinput terminal tube 604 at first input terminal tube first end 616.Consequently, first return sub-conductor 320 may be in electricalconnection with input terminal tab 602. Second supply hose 408 may bepulled over first plurality of first input terminal tube barbs 612forming a watertight seal around first input terminal tube first end616. Then second return hose 410 may be pulled over first plurality ofsecond input terminal tube barbs 622 forming a watertight seal aroundsecond input terminal tube first end 626. In this embodiment, returnconductor 422 may function as return conductor 120.

At Load End 144

One output terminal 500 may be used as load supply connection 114 onsupply conductor 118 at load end 144. Another output terminal 500 may beused as load return connection 116 on return conductor 120 at load end144.

At load end 144 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, supply conductor420 may be crimped or otherwise electrically attached to first outputterminal tube 504 at first output terminal tube first end 514.Consequently, supply conductor 420 may be in electrical connection withoutput terminal tab 502. First supply hose 404 may be pulled overplurality of first output terminal tube barbs 512 forming a watertightseal around first output terminal tube first end 514. Then first returnhose 406 may be pulled over plurality of second output terminal tubebarbs 520 forming a watertight seal around second output terminal tubefirst end 522. In this embodiment, supply conductor 420 may function assupply conductor 118.

At load end 144 of liquid cooled charging cable 106, return conductor422 may be crimped or otherwise electrically attached to first outputterminal tube 504 at first output terminal tube first end 514.Consequently, return conductor 422 may be in electrical connection withoutput terminal tab 502. Second supply hose 408 may be pulled overplurality of first output terminal tube barbs 512 forming a watertightseal around first output terminal tube first end 514. Then second returnhose 410 may be pulled over plurality of second output terminal tubebarbs 520 forming a watertight seal around second output terminal tubefirst end 522. In this embodiment, return conductor 422 may function asreturn conductor 120.

Coolant Flow

For supply conductor 118, the coolant may flow into the inside firstinput terminal tube 604 from first input terminal tube second end 618.Because first input terminal tube 604 is connected to input terminal tab602, the coolant may cool input terminal tab 602. The coolant may thenflow out of first input terminal tube port 610 and into first supplyhose 404. The coolant may surround supply conductor 420 and flow thelength of first supply hose 404 to load end 144. Because supplyconductor 420 is immersed in the coolant, heat from supply conductor 420may be transferred into the coolant. At load end 144, the coolant mayflow into first output terminal tube 504 at first output terminal tubeport 510 to first output terminal tube second end 516 and into secondoutput terminal tube 506 at second output terminal tube second end 524.Because the coolant is in output terminal tab 502, the coolant may alsocool output terminal tab 502. The coolant may flow out of second outputterminal tube 506 at second output terminal tube port 518 and into firstreturn hose 406. The coolant may flow the length of first return hose406 back to source end 142. The coolant may flow into second inputterminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube port 620. Because secondinput terminal tube 606 is connected to input terminal tab 602, thecoolant may cool input terminal tab 602. The coolant may then flow outof second input terminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube secondend 628 back to cooling device 108 (e.g., FIG. 1 configuration) or firstcooling device 202 (FIG. 2 configuration) to be cooled and reused.

For return conductor 120, the coolant may flow into the inside firstinput terminal tube 604 from first input terminal tube second end 618.Because first input terminal tube 604 is connected to input terminal tab602, the coolant may cool input terminal tab 602. The coolant may thenflow out of first input terminal tube port 610 and into second supplyhose 408. The coolant may surround return conductor 422 and flow thelength of second supply hose 408 to load end 144. Because returnconductor 422 is immersed in the coolant, heat from return conductor 422may be transferred into the coolant. At load end 144, the coolant mayflow into first output terminal tube 504 at first output terminal tubeport 510 to first output terminal tube second end 516 and into secondoutput terminal tube 506 at second output terminal tube second end 524.Because the coolant is in output terminal tab 502, the coolant may alsocool output terminal tab 502. The coolant may flow out of second outputterminal tube 506 at second output terminal tube port 518 and intosecond return hose 410. The coolant may flow the length of second returnhose 410 back to source end 142. The coolant may flow into second inputterminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube port 620. Because secondinput terminal tube 606 is connected to input terminal tab 602, thecoolant may cool input terminal tab 602. The coolant may then flow outof second input terminal tube 606 at second input terminal tube secondend 628 back to cooling device 108 (e.g., FIG. 1 configuration) or firstcooling device 202 (FIG. 2 configuration) to be cooled and reused.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described abovewith reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations ofmethods, systems, and computer program products according to embodimentsof the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope isindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specificationhas been described in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an output terminal tab;a first output terminal tube attached to the output terminal tab, thefirst output terminal tube comprising; a first output terminal tubeport, a first output terminal tube first end, and a first outputterminal tube second end disposed inside the output terminal tab; asecond output terminal tube attached to the output terminal tab, thesecond output terminal tube comprising; a second output terminal tubeport, a second output terminal tube first end, and a second outputterminal tube second end disposed inside the output terminal tab; and afluid pathway extending from the first output terminal tube port throughan interior of the first output terminal tube, into an interior of theoutput terminal tab, though an interior of the second output terminaltube, to the second output terminal tube port.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the first output terminal tube further comprises a pluralityof first output terminal tube barbs.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the second output terminal tube further comprises a plurality ofsecond output terminal tube barbs.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe output terminal tab further comprises an output terminal tabopening.